Abstract
Postharvest senescence and oxidative damage significantly impact the market value, shelf life, and consumer acceptability of cherry tomatoes. This study investigated the effect of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) treatments (0, 2, 5, 7, and 10 μmol L-1) on postharvest quality during cold storage (10 ± 1 °C, 85-90 % RH). EBL at 5 μmol L-1 was most effective, reducing respiration rate, ethylene evolution, weight loss, and softening enzymes, while maintaining higher firmness, proline and bioactive compounds. The activity of antioxidant enzymes and DPPH radical scavenging capacity significantly higher, while the accumulation of malondialdehyde and carotenoids (phytoene, lutein, lycopene, and β-carotene) was delayed. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed improved cell wall integrity, while principal component analysis further validated the effectiveness of 5 μmol L-1 EBL treatment in extending the shelf life of cherry tomatoes up to 35 days (15 days extra) over the control without compromising quality and sensory appeal during storage.